Charlie Blackmon, left, of the Colorado Rockies scores a third inning run during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 5, 2014 in Peoria, Arizona. (Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

MIAMI — Spring training stats matter when they matter. When it comes to center field, manager Walt Weiss hedged his bet all spring, saying that last season carried more weight and that March wasn’t a tryout camp.

So it is that Charlie Blackmon is starting and leading off on Monday night against Miami’s Jose Fernandez.

Blackmon batted .236 in the spring, but his strong second half a year ago never left Weiss’ memory as he constructed an odd roster. The Rockies are carrying six outfielders, giving Weiss plenty of options and a challenge to find playing time for reserves Corey Dickerson, Drew Stubbs and Brandon Barnes.

Owner Dick Monfort explained the decision in a letter sent to season-ticket holders on Sunday night.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Boone Logan stepped on the mound around 10 a.m. for a test that would go a long way in determining whether he makes the opening day roster. Facing hitters for the first time this spring following the removal of elbow bone chips, Logan threw 20 pitches without any issues on Field 2.

LaTroy Hawkins vividly remembers when center fielder Willy Taveras ran down Tony Clark’s line drive to help the Rockies win Game 2 of the 2007 National League Championship Series. (David Zalubowski, The Associated Press)

LaTroy Hawkins has socks older than some of the Rockies’ prospects. He began his career before interleague play. He has memories, plenty of them. I was interviewing him Tuesday for another story I am working on, and he provided a reminder of why baseball is a great game.

The subject was the Rockies’ 2007 World Series team. Hawkins discussed the run, then his eyes widened as he reached a moment in the National League Championship Series.

SCOTTSDALE — Brett Anderson approached it like another game in March. And it was until he peeked into the batter’s box. Former Oakland teammate Coco Crisp tipped his cap. Anderson acknowledged it, and began working at his typical quick pace.

“It was kind of surreal,” he said. “I got more pop ups than I normally get.”

Rockies starter Christian Friedrich made his spring debut on Monday. He recorded five outs, three by strikeout, and allowed one run. More importantly, his back responded well, and he’s on track to pitch Saturday against Oakland. (Jeff Chiu, The Associated Press)

Franklin Morales, Take 2, wants to revisit his first job with the Rockies. He told the team when he was reacquired from Boston in December that he wanted to start. He pitched in winter ball to realize that goal. Wednesday, he took a small step toward winning the fifth spot in the rotation.

He struck out out five Rangers in three innings. The left-hander showed off an interesting weapon against right-handers: a cut fastball. While Morales’ fastball command was a little off, the cutter was the equalizer, getting in on the hands of righties. Morales didn’t have that pitch as a kid in the Rockies’ farm system or even in 2007 when he helped Colorado reach the playoffs.

Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin could miss as many as three starts with right shoulder inflammation. If he does, the Rockies’ April will be tough. (Associated Press file photo)

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — It’s kind of tough to remember now, what with their 74-88 last-place finish, but the Rockies opened the 2013 season with promise. They had an eight-game winning streak (their longest of the season) in April, and finished the month with a 16-10 record.

They were in first place in the National League West as late as May 7 before injuries, lack of depth, a crumbling bullpen and reality sunk them to the bottom of the NL West.

So we all know that spring optimism can be fleeting and misleading. Still, to borrow a favorite word from former Rockies manager Jim Tracy, it would behoove the Rockies to get off to a fast start, build some confidence and create some team chemistry.

SCOTTSDALE — The idea that Justin Morneau can eclipse Todd Helton’s offensive numbers last season is expected, if not likely. But can the former 2006 American League MVP make a smooth transition defensively? Helton’s range was compromised in his final few seasons, but no first baseman effectively scooped low throws like he did.

It was a skilled he perfected through hours of fungo work. The upside went beyond the scoop itself. He gave his infielders freedom. They knew they could try to make any throw at any point in the game and not get tagged with an error. Nolan Arenado and Troy Tulowitzki both have won Gold Gloves with Helton at first base. Arenado joked that he might have to cut a piece of his trophy off and give it to Helton.

The Las Vegas oddsmakers say it will take a mighty leap of faith for the Rockies to be a contender in 2014, even with a healthy Carlos Gonzalez in the outfield. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Rockies owner Dick Monfort is a big believer. The wiseguys in Vegas … not so much.

The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook posted it’s odds for the 2014 season Monday and it lists the Rockies as 60-1 longshots to win the World Series. They are listed at 30-1 to win the National League pennant.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado National League West rival, is the favorite to win the World Series, at 5-1.

The Rockies are listed at 15-1 to win the NL West and are predicted to finish last in the division for the third straight season. The sports book has the Rockies winning 76 games, just two more than last season.

Former Oklahoma star Jonathan Gray, drafted by the Rockies at No. 3, is considered one of baseball’s top prospects. (Bill Feig, The Associated Press)

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The upside to down years is the draft. And the Rockies, according to ESPN’s Keith Law, have made the right choices with recent high picks.

He ranked four of the organization’s players in his top 100. The list: last year’s top choice, Jonathan Gray (12), Eddie Butler (17), David Dahl (47) and Rosell Herrera (54).

I am knee deep in Super Bowl coverage, and will try to expand more on this. But here’s a quick take:

Gray’s improved changeup should accelerate his path to bigs. Butler profiles for Coors Field with a power arm, terrific slider and fascinating changeup (Google his pitches at Futures Game last year). Dahl missed most of last year w gruesome hamstring injury following a brief suspension for missing a team flight. He will likely start year in Class-A ball at Asheville and is currently in the Dominican Republic working out with prospects like Peter Tago, Will Swanner, Ryan Warner, Ryan McMahon and Jordan Patterson. Dahl, an athletic outfielder with good speed, should rebound if he’s healthy. Herrera has shown impressive power for a middle infielder. I don’t see his future at shortstop, but the Rockies haven’t had a longterm solution at second base. He could be in the mix for that job down the road.

The Rockies have mild interest in Santana, but are not pursuing him at his current price. They are also are reluctant to surrender a draft pick, even a competitive balance selection around the 35th overall. Santana’s asking price is unknown. He started the winter seeking $100 million according to multiple reports. It’s safe to assume he wants to match what Garza received from the Brewers — four years, $52 million. The Rockies aren’t interested in him at that figure, and given his flyball history, aren’t going to overextend on the right-hander.

Franklin Morales returns to the Rockies with a chance to win a spot in the rotation. There will be no contract distraction. He avoided salary arbitration Wednesday, agreeing to a $1,712,500-million deal.

Morales, 27, went 2-2 with a 4.62 ERA in 20 games for the Red Sox last season. A former top prospect with the Rockies, Morales was acquired in exchange for utility infielder Jonathan Herrera. The left-hander is expected to compete for the fifth starter’s job in spring training with Juan Nicasio. It’s possible that Morales will end up in the bullpen if he doesn’t win the job.

Along with Ubaldo Jimenez, Morales helped the Rockies reach the 2007 World Series during their September run to the postseason. Morales’ highlight was holding his ground against eventual Cy Young award winner Jake Peavy in San Diego. It was part of a stretch when the Rockies reeled off 21 of 22 wins to advance to the World Series. Morales last pitched for the Rockies in 2011, spending the latter part of his career in Denver as a closer.

Jorge De La Rosa posted a 2.9 WAR (wins above replacement) last season. The Rockies’ are counting on a similar performance in his walk year. (John Leyba, The Denver Pos)

This is the first in a preview of key Rockies’ players entering spring training:LHP Jorge De La Rosa

Age: 32

Contract status: $11 million, free agent in 2015

2013: 16-6, 3.49 ERA, 167 2/3 innings

2014 forecast: Will likely be the Rockies’ opening day starter after posting one of the strongest seasons of his career. Was shut down on Sept. 10 because of a lingering bruised left thumb, first hurt in early June while bunting. He told me that his thumb healed as planned this offseason. He’s been throwing and working out at the Rockies’ facility in Scottsdale. The Rockies are counting on him to repeat his success, and there’s plenty at stake for the left-hander, who is in the walk year of his contract.

Corey Dickerson slides in safely for a triple at Coors Field. The Rockies went 45-36 at home last season, finishing fifth in the National League in attendance. They open their home schedule on April 4 against the Diamondbacks. (Getty Images file)

Individual Rockies tickets will go on sale online Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. This excludes opening day on April 4 and the fireworks games on July 3-4. Tickets to those games will go on sale later this month, and fans must pre-register at www.rockies.com/tickets.

“With the recent player acquisitions combined with an outstanding returning roster, we’re excited about the 2014 season,” Rockies owner Dick Monfort said in a press release. “This online opportunity gives our fans the chance to secure their tickets to some of the most desired games on the schedule.”

Rafael Betancourt, 38, is encouraged by his recovery from elbow surgery. He hopes to pitch this season. (Associated Press)

Rafael Betancourt couldn’t live with the uncertainty. There was path to retirement after he he tore his right elbow ligament last Aug. 22.

“But I didn’t want to wonder what if?” Betancourt said on Friday morning.

The 38-year-old elected to undergo surgery and said Friday that his recovery is advancing as planned. He will visit Dr. James Andrews next week, and should begin throwing soon after the exam. Betancourt plans to visit the Rockies for two weeks in spring training in March, and hasn’t given up on pitching during the 2014 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers contacted him as a free agent, but he’s committed to returning with Colorado.

My Hall of Fame ballot. I used all 10 spots this year. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post).

Voting for the Hall of Fame is a wonderfully challenging exercise, an obstacle course of statistics and debates.

When I color in the box next to a player’s name, I am endorsing his career for the highest individual honor possible. It’s not about one season, or snippets of years, but the body of work. My ballot is not perfect. I am not sure one exists.

I have not endorsed known steroid users, and that did not change this year. My standard, which will be understandably questioned, is to leave out those who tested positive, admitted using or have an avalanche of evidence against them through federal investigations.

So I said no to Barry Bonds – I am not sure how you could read “Game of Shadows,” detailing Bonds’ detailed drug regiment and conclude he wasn’t using – Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa. I realize my logic will be criticized with those insisting that my ballot does include PED users. They could be right. But I am not basing my vote on speculation or rumors.

Justin Morneau has incentive to stay healthy and remain a Rockie. Boone Logan, in getting the richest contract ever given a reliever by the Rockies, backloaded his deal to give the team some elasticity in its budget.

This was learned from contract details obtained by The Denver Post on Monday.

Morneau, who will take over for legend Todd Helton, signed a two-year, $12.5-million deal that breaks down as follows: $5 million in 2014, $6.75 million in 2014 with a $9 million mutual option for 2016. The option can be voided with a $750,000 buyout. Morneau also can make an additional $500,000 this season if he reaches 550 at-bats and finishes the season on the active 25-man roster. There are also boosts for finishing in the top-10 in the MVP voting and standard postseason bonuses. Morneau is no hurry to be traded either. He must be paid a $375,000 assignment bonus if dealt.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Rockies have had multiple talks with the Reds about left-handed reliever Sean Marshall as they seek ways to improve an overworked bullpen.

The deal appeared close on Monday night, but is idling now. Marshall, a 6-foot-7, 225-pounder, was one of the National League’s most durable and effective relievers from 2010 through 2012, appearing in 231 games. However, he was limited to 16 games a year ago because of shoulder issues. Marshall, 31, is under contract for the next two seasons at $12 million. That’s a reasonable figure, if he’s healthy.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Not sure about the Happiest Place on Earth, but the Disney Dolphin Resort will be the busiest this week. The major league baseball winter meetings began on Monday, the lobby clustered with reporters, agents and executives.

In a change of pace, the Rockies are expected to be active this week, searching for a bullpen arm, a starter and bench help. Colorado has talked to nearly every hard-throwing, free-agent reliever. Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour are the most coveted by the Rockies, but the price tag will likely preclude a Rockies’ bid. Benoit is seeking in excess of Joe Smith’s $15-million contract with the Angels, and Balfour could get $24 million over three years if the market falls correctly for him.

The Rockies search for Todd Helton’s replacement has left them focusing on Justin Morneau. Morneau is considered a strong defender, and a weapon against right-handed pitching. (Denis Poroy, Getty Images)

Justin Morneau won American League MVP honors in 2006. He finished second in 2008. He’s not that guy.

Justin Morneau won the Home Run Derby in 2008 at Yankee Stadium, something everyone forgets because of Josh Hamilton’s breathtaking performance in the preliminary rounds. He’s not that guy.

But can Morneau be a guy who helps the Rockies? It’s possible for a number of reasons.

First, he’s a realistic target. Unlike their failed bids for Jose Abreu (six-year, $63-million), Carlos Ruiz (two-year, $15 million with club option) and Brian McCann (unknown, but likely in the $60 million range), the Rockies are not competing with big market clubs for Morneau. No White Sox, no Phillies, no Yankees. At least not publicly.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.